Embroglio wrote:
Even though having Asperger's is supposed to mean that you're good at math, I'm not. I tried to take calculus last year, and I tried. But I couldn't even get 1 problem right in the homework assignments. To me calculus was like trying to read Chinese it made no sense. It was so bad to the point where I changed my major to Liberal Arts, just to avoid it. I've never been good at math and the more it got away from basic stuff the more I struggle with it. I went from getting B's in math in 7th grade, to struggling to get C's in math with lots of help from the school's math tutor my senior year of high school. I'm sure there's other people on here who've struggled a lot with math.
I think math is a lot harder for people on the spectrum than what some people believe. Many people on the spectrum have a learning disability which means that the way in which math is being taught is inappropriate to the strengths of someone with AS at times. I have Non-verbal Learning Disorder (NVLD) which pretty much means I have a hard time multitasking, changing tasks, executive functioning deficits, managing time, hard time visualizing at times, and poor working memory (I have to use a lot of scratch paper because things don't float in my brain, they flee). It pretty much means I make mistakes often and math always takes me much longer than the average Joe. Things always make sense in class, but I always need more time when I am alone to finish homework and/or on examinations.
Please don't fall prey to the petty belief that you are somewhat devoid of any mathematical pedigree. You just need to be able to develop your own system of coping with how math is taught in the U.S. . Temple has said that Algebra can be confusing for people on the spectrum and has suggested Geometry/Trig as an alternative route to understanding mathematical principles for the purpose of Scientific Inquiry. Also do not go to a University that doesn't have a Math Lab or excellent student disability services. Tutors also work wonders.
Please consider my advice. Science needs conceptual thinkers, just because someone can pass a test doesn't mean they can think outside the box of what is KNOWN. I made the mistake of thinking I was a no-good at Math prior to understanding my learning challenges of being on the spectrum and having a learning impairment, because I failed so much or received abysmal grades.
It took me 7 years of liberal arts-fine arts education to finally come full circle, after my diagnosis, re-evaluating everything, that I am now making a concerted effort to apply myself rigorously (because I have the support system of school resources now) to finishing higher-end mathematic courses so that I can finally be in a scientific field. I was also turned away from Science because of Math, but my interest never went away - if anything it grew. It became so great, with a need to solve problems with carefully systems, etc. that I finally decided to leave Liberal Arts and get into Computer Engineering and Biology, together at last.
It is going to be a struggle, but it's only a door that goes to another world. Albert Einstein wasn't smashingly great at mathematics either, relative to his intelligence, and he routinely got lost when trying to return home. Think on it.
Having Asperger's doesn't MEAN you are good at anything, it only gives you potential talents to develop like anyone else, along with deficits. While I don't personally agree that one has to be good at Mathematics to be a good Scientist (we're all professors already), it is the language of that discipline. You'll probably be better at translating when you're all through to someone not as mathematically inclined. Please just don't fall into the trap of thinking that it is a bar holding you back from developing your scientific interests, merely a door that needs to be passed. People with better Mathematical ability take a hit too, they often aren't the best at verbalizing at the same level. That is possibly why you're in a pickle, because you have a false-perception of yourself and your talents. Your verbal is higher than your perceptual academic ability - that's all - just apply yourself.